Today, Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain! Well, at least the ORIGINAL version is, as seen in Steamboat Willie back in 1928. The later, cutey versions are still exclusively owned by Disney, but the first version was always the best anyway!
No doubt everyone will be drawing him this year so I thought I'd have a go!
Ben, isn't it more like 17 years ? It's supposed to be 70 years after the death of the creator ; Disney died in 66, Iwerks in 71. Maths are not what I do best but it sounds like 2041 to me. If I'm wrong, I'd be happy to learn the truth.
Lew, I do agree that the original version of the character is the best one. It's funny to read in all the medias that this one is uglier, bad-mannered and meaner than the more modern takes - like if it was some flaws. First, it's a bit overstated - he wasn't that different. And those flaws, that's EXACTLY what made him attractive and funny ! Like the original Felix the Cat, not the boring one of the fifties. Or Dennis the Menace. Not exactly a bully, but a bit rude and hyperactive. Who'd want a flawless character ? The papers also said that this Mickey had no pupils - well learn to read a drawing because the black circles ARE the pupils. It's only that the borders of his eyes are not drawn, except for the pointy black bits. If I'd really want to be nitpicky I'd say it's the modern version of Mickey with smaller eyes that makes no sense. Because the pointy bits now look like hair, or fur, whatever. In the original Mickey it's fully part of his head, not an accessory like those hats sold at Disneyland. Nothing you don't already know, but I felt like writing a bit !
Good points, Roberto. Thanks for contributing. I'm not really up to speed on the current Mickey. I know they went a bit retro with him and I liked one of the cartoons I saw but I'll have to look up what the latest "look" is.
Yes, those early cartoons have such energy and attitude. They're great!
But...sadly for us brits, we can't use the mouse are self's for another 23 years.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteBen, isn't it more like 17 years ? It's supposed to be 70 years after the death of the creator ; Disney died in 66, Iwerks in 71. Maths are not what I do best but it sounds like 2041 to me. If I'm wrong, I'd be happy to learn the truth.
ReplyDeleteLew, I do agree that the original version of the character is the best one. It's funny to read in all the medias that this one is uglier, bad-mannered and meaner than the more modern takes - like if it was some flaws. First, it's a bit overstated - he wasn't that different. And those flaws, that's EXACTLY what made him attractive and funny ! Like the original Felix the Cat, not the boring one of the fifties. Or Dennis the Menace. Not exactly a bully, but a bit rude and hyperactive. Who'd want a flawless character ? The papers also said that this Mickey had no pupils - well learn to read a drawing because the black circles ARE the pupils. It's only that the borders of his eyes are not drawn, except for the pointy black bits. If I'd really want to be nitpicky I'd say it's the modern version of Mickey with smaller eyes that makes no sense. Because the pointy bits now look like hair, or fur, whatever. In the original Mickey it's fully part of his head, not an accessory like those hats sold at Disneyland. Nothing you don't already know, but I felt like writing a bit !
Good points, Roberto. Thanks for contributing. I'm not really up to speed on the current Mickey. I know they went a bit retro with him and I liked one of the cartoons I saw but I'll have to look up what the latest "look" is.
ReplyDeleteYes, those early cartoons have such energy and attitude. They're great!